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Pumpkin Chili Recipe

Pumpkin Chili Recipe: Easy and Hearty with Turkey Bacon and Beans

This Pumpkin Chili Recipe combines turkey bacon and beans for a hearty, flavorful meal that's easy to make.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course main dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6 cups
Calories 280 kcal

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Dutch Oven

Ingredients
  

Base Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup diced yellow onion ¼” dice
  • 2 tablespoons minced garlic
  • 1 pound ground turkey 85 to 93% lean

Seasonings and Sauces

  • ¼ cup chili seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

Vegetables

  • 1 cup diced red bell pepper ¼” dice
  • 2 tablespoons minced jalapeno

Beans and Pumpkin

  • 15 ounces canned red kidney beans rinsed and drained
  • 15 ounces canned black beans rinsed and drained
  • 15 ounces canned pinto beans rinsed and drained
  • 15 ounces pumpkin puree

Tomatoes and Stock

  • 15 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
  • 14.5 ounces canned fire-roasted tomatoes plus juice
  • 2 cups unsalted chicken stock or broth

Instructions
 

  • Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add olive oil, then once hot, add the diced onions and sauté for 2 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release aroma.
  • Add the ground turkey to the pot. Cook until no longer pink, breaking it into smaller chunks with a spoon, for about 4 to 6 minutes.
  • Sprinkle in chili seasoning and pumpkin pie spice, stirring to coat the meat evenly. Cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices. Add tomato paste, stir well, and continue cooking for 1 minute. Then add diced red bell peppers and minced jalapenos, cooking for another minute to soften.
  • Pour in the kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans, pumpkin puree, crushed tomatoes, fire-roasted tomatoes with their juice, chicken stock, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together until fully combined.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium to maintain a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally and cook until the chili thickens slightly and the flavors meld, about 25 to 30 minutes. Adjust heat if bubbling too rapidly, and add more stock or water if you prefer a thinner consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your choice of sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, pepitas, and sliced green onions for garnish.

Notes

For a spicier chili, add more minced jalapenos or include a pinch of cayenne pepper with the chili seasoning. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute ground turkey with plant-based crumbles or additional beans. Adjust the amount of pumpkin pie spice based on your taste preference; cinnamon is a good alternative. Use low-sodium chicken stock to better control saltiness. This chili can be made ahead and flavors often improve the next day. Freeze leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 22gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 420mgFiber: 7gSugar: 6g
Keyword beans, Chili Recipe, easy recipe, hearty chili, pumpkin chili, turkey bacon
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